January 2017 Grocery Challenge. NEW BEGINNINGS!

Snottycat

Hello,
Please can I join I would like to attempt to get our food bill down to spend money in better ways. Starting with £300 for 2 adults and 2 children (4 & 6) going to include toiletries and washing stuff to start with. Hope this month to keep every receipt and see where my money actually goes, also going to ask myself do I need it or just want it before buying anything!!
Thank you, Debs

Soworried

NewShadow wrote: »

Don't you just love our first world problems :rotfl:

Hope these help - http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/how-store-cheese - how to store the different cheeses so they keep as long as possible.

http://www.britishcheese.com/recipes - many ways with cheese

It is a nice problem to have

I'm determined nothing will get wasted but every time I think of some thing to make it takes up more space and creates more left overs :rotfl:

I thought about cheese biscuits but then we have packets of shop bought ones already opened. Thought about a few cheese quiches but don't have freezer space :cool:

jedi82

Good morning and happy new year,
It has been a long time but time to get back on the wagon I have been keeping a check if what we spend each month and even though I allocate £450 a month, it us getting closer to £550-£600 it is so easy to do and if I didn't add everything to my spreadsheet, I wouldn't believe that I spend that much.
Anyway, for January I am going to set a target of £450 and this is for 5 of us and a bunny. 2 adults and 3 kids (11, 9 and 7) to include all food, toiletries, cleaning and alcohol. Luckily we have given up alcohol for new year so that should help balance it out being a long month.

If I manage this, I will look to reduce it for next month....

Good luck guys, Jedi X

pixiechick99

Hi there,
I haven't been here for a good few years but am back on the case:rotfl:
Please could you put me down for £200 for the month which is for myself and 2 daughters, 19 and 17. Its when eldest's boyfriend comes here that I need more food....19yr old lads eat a lot:eek:
Here's to an organised and frugal January!:beer:

so_very_confused

Happy New Year......
Fell of the wagon last year but I am now on long term sick so really need to get a grip.
Looking to use up freezer/cupboard bits this month so aiming for £100 for the month.

[Deleted User]

I joined this forum many years ago, then left. So glad I rejoined a few months back, as it's really easy to slip back in2 old ways. No spends yet for me, just wanted to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone ......

Soworried wrote: »

The thing that concerns me the most is the amount of left over cheese so need to start thinking about that, everything from Edam to pickled onion cheddars to brie and boisan (sp?) I'd normally grate it and freeze it but my freezer is groaning too :rotfl:

I was going to say grate. Could you not take out a couple of 'large bits' to cook up, which can be meals and go in fridge for short period, so cheese can fit, or sacrafice something low price (god I hate saying that), but I'm ashamed to say I bought a huge bag of ice (!!!!!!), stresses me out everytime I see it, or maybe invite people 'round for an unplanned (use up stuff) bite to eat.

Snottycat wrote: »

also going to ask myself do I need it or just want it before buying anything!!

yes, that's the way to do it. It's always good to factor in the odd treat, within budget.

Islandmaid

Quick question - I was given some vouchers before Christmas and have used some to fill the freezer - should I count this as part of the budget or not? Sounds daft but I don't want to 'cheat'

NewShadow

Islandmaid wrote: »

Quick question - I was given some vouchers before Christmas and have used some to fill the freezer - should I count this as part of the budget or not? Sounds daft but I don't want to 'cheat'

I wouldn't, but it's up to you.

I'd see it the same as if I was given the food as a christmas gift - just because you're choosing what the gift should be doesn't change the fact that it's basically the same as 'free' to you.

The same as I don't charge myself if I get a free lunch at work or if a friend buys me a coffee.

[Deleted User]

Islandmaid wrote: »

Quick question - I was given some vouchers before Christmas and have used some to fill the freezer - should I count this as part of the budget or not? Sounds daft but I don't want to 'cheat'

I wouldn't either. Im only concerned with what leaves my purse. Some people like to count whatever is spent, regardless. Depends how you want to run your budget.

fairy3

Afternoon all and HNY seems everyone is off to a good start - Condolences to Coxy and Sue
My month starts today so have a rough plan but still inventorising - it takes ages due to having so much stuff .... been ill for last few days so even more food in.
Easy menu today with clean out of fridge then back to proper planning - no spends planned.